Curriculum

Our Current Curriculum

Eighteenth-Century Dancing:

Further expansion of historical dance classes, continuing the work begun in Phase I.

Eighteenth-Century Dance Classes:

Dance classes focusing on the social dances of the 18th century. These classes will be held in Carnegie, PA, and Ligonier, PA.

Leatherworking 101 and Leatherworking 201:

Beginner and intermediate classes focusing on traditional leatherworking techniques. These courses will be offered at various heritage sites and are taught by artisans skilled in traditional methods.

Shoemaking Classes for Adults and Teens:

A hands-on course teaching traditional techniques of shoe- and boot-making, aimed at adults and teens interested in the art of cordwainery. Instruction will be led by skilled shoemakers.

Classes We Aspire to Offer in the Future

Foodways & Culinary Arts:

Courses that delve into traditional food preparation techniques, including cooking methods passed down through generations.

Pottery:

Classes that teach the traditional art of pottery making, focusing on hand-throwing techniques and historical designs.

Barbering:

Instruction in traditional barbering skills, potentially led by M. Kozelek, with a focus on heritage grooming techniques.

Heirloom Gardening and Heritage Farming:

Instruction in growing and maintaining heritage crops, preserving traditional farming techniques and heirloom plant varieties.

Herbal Health and Medicine:

Classes that explore traditional herbal remedies and practices, with a focus on using natural ingredients for health and wellness.

Traditional Domestic Arts:

Courses in broom-making, basket-weaving, candle-making, and soap-making, preserving the skills of historical domestic craftsmanship.

Theatre:

Courses in theatre arts, including the history of costuming, the art of playwriting, and the production of historically inspired performances such as madrigal dinner-theatres and mystery plays.

Drawing, Painting, and Sculpting:

Fine arts classes focused on traditional techniques in drawing, painting (oils, watercolours), and sculpting, fostering a love for artistic expression.

Equestrian Activities (Equerry):

Courses in horsemanship and equestrian skills, potentially including care for horses, riding instruction, and equestrian sport.

Archery & Shooting Sports:

Classes that teach traditional archery and shooting skills, focusing on safety, technique, and historical context.

Fencing:

A potential collaboration with the Ligonier Fencing Club to offer instruction in historical fencing techniques.

Maple Sugaring:

Instruction in the process of harvesting and producing maple syrup using traditional techniques.

Beekeeping:

Classes that teach the historical practices of beekeeping, including hive maintenance, honey production, and the role of bees in agriculture.

Rare Breeds Animal Husbandry:

Courses that focus on the care and management of rare animal breeds, with an emphasis on traditional farming methods.

Traditional Surveying & Cartography:

Hands-on courses that supplement geography and geometry instruction by teaching traditional techniques of land surveying and mapmaking.

Fiber Arts (Spinning, Weaving, Dyeing):

A series of classes on textile arts, including spinning fibers, weaving cloth, and dyeing materials with natural dyes.

Tailoring & Mantua-Making:

Courses in traditional tailoring and dressmaking, focusing on the construction of historical garments using heritage techniques.

Silversmithing/Goldsmithing & Engraving:

Instruction in working with precious metals, including engraving techniques used in historical metalworking.